CBP Field Operations Seizes Methamphetamine Worth Over $14 Million at Pharr International Bridge

Release Date:

February 7, 2019

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge discovered half a ton of methamphetamine worth $14,075,000 and nearly 10 pounds of cocaine concealed within a commercial shipment of fresh produce.

“This was truly an outstanding interception of hard narcotics that our CBP officers effected yesterday at the cargo facility,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “A seizure of this magnitude is a positive enforcement action against drug smuggling organizations, one that will certainly make a difference in our fight against drugs.”

CBP Field Operations officers working at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility on Feb. 6 encountered a commercial shipment of fresh bell peppers arriving from Mexico and the shipment was referred for further inspection. With the use of a non-intrusive imaging (NII) inspection along with the assistance of a (canine team), officers discovered 364 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 1,005 pounds (456 kg) and four packages of alleged cocaine weighing 9.92 pounds (4.5 kg) concealed within the commercial trailer. The total estimated street value for the narcotics is $14,152,000.

The narcotics and tractor/trailer were seized and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.